BY CLIFFORD JAMES L. DANDUAN/UM INTERN
Most board exam takers bring only a pen and pencil.
But in the case of the 25-year-old topnotcher from the University of Mindanao – Davao City, an asthma inhaler and painkillers became his weapons during the examination because his asthma and stomach pain could hit him anytime.
Jeremie John P. Venteroso, a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, defied all odds after emerging as the lone topnotcher from Mindanao in the November 2024 Chemical Engineers Licensure Examination (ChELE) with an average rate of 90.50 percent.
The journey to the top was not smooth sailing for Venteroso as two weeks before the examination, he had to be confined to the hospital after experiencing the ‘most extreme pain‘ he had in his stomach. Things got worse when his ultrasound revealed that he had gallbladder polyps, which required surgical removal if the pain continued. Fortunately, the operation could be postponed until he finishes the exam.
All these health challenges he experienced were a result of his ‘night owl’ sleep schedule. He disclosed that the idea of studying at night and sleeping during the day was a bad idea, as it left him having little-to-no sleep during the three-day exam.
“Since I am a night owl, I studied when the sun was out and slept during the day. This was a bad idea though because I carried this sleep routine up until the licensure examination days. Basically, I had zero to little sleep when I was taking the 3-day examination,” he said.
Despite the hardships he has endured, Venteroso didn’t let the adversity derail his dream. He remained optimistic and poured his heart and soul into the board exams.
“After all of this, all I knew was to go through it and not stop. I had to keep that fighting spirit ’till the end,” he said.
When Venteroso learned that he ranked second on the boards, he said that it was a dream come true for him. He also shared that he was overwhelmed with mixed emotions after knowing the results, and reached a point where he didn’t know how to react and express his feelings.
“I was ecstatic when I learned that I ranked second in the licensure examination. It was a dream come true, indeed. That day, I came to the point where I had emotions fighting that I did not know how to react,” he shared.
During his preparations for the exam, his family became his support system and supported him throughout his journey. He is also grateful for his friends who have been supportive as well to him in his endeavor.
“I am blessed enough to have my family with me during my review time and I could not thank them enough for helping me pass the boards. As funny as it sounds, they were there through sickness and health. Other than my family, I had friends who would constantly give their cheers,” he expressed.
Now that Venteroso has fulfilled his ultimate dream of becoming a Chemical Engineer, this triumph is just the beginning of a greater purpose for him. His next step is to give back to the Filipino people, fulfilling his responsibility as a DOST scholar.
“As a DOST scholar, it is my duty to give back and render service to the Filipino people by contributing to the field of science and technology in ways I can,” he said.
With his passion for innovation and sustainability, he envisions himself contributing to projects that are related to green engineering, and using his expertise in the field of chemical engineering as a force for change in our community.
Finally, Venteroso’s advice for all aspiring chemical engineers is simple yet impactful, emphasizing the importance of being relentless in their pursuit of success.
“As cliché as it sounds, if ever students feel like they are giving up unless they have the most valid reasons to do so, I ask them to just continue the fight and be bigger than
whatever setbacks they are facing. I want them to realize that both of their biggest cheerleaders and worst enemies are themselves,” he said.
